The Community for creating rules, mechanics, and systems, and everything else related to making RPGs that doesn't fit in any of the other DIYRPG Communities.
Wild suggestion: But would it have to have much of a mechanical impact on character stats?
Characters don't have many stats to begin with and they are mostly pretty abstract. When the goal is to create more character background and tied it into the setting, perhaps that could be accomplished entirely without customizing the character's stats at all?
Interesting perspective! But I would like to see some mechanical effect as a result of the character’s social class/upbringing/previous experiences. It should also be a quick procedure. A few decisions and rolls. Would not like it to result in pages of backstory (brrr).
maybe try making the mechanical part of lifepaths as short descriptive abilities rather than stats? Something very narrow yet helpful. Check out this blogpost too http://riseupcomus.blogspot.com/2023/08/pointcrawling-character-creation.html?m=1
Interesting, there could be traits or backgrounds related to a given origin or birth place for example (something that D&D 5 and other games already do).
There is also some old AngryGM rant about biological and cultural traits of starting characters https://theangrygm.com/why-race-isnt-broken/
Pick a different old school game that incorporates this stuff? Runequest is a very old school game that easily supports life paths.